IOWA CITY, IA — Verizon Wireless today announced that its customers will have access to its 4G Long Term Evolution (LTE) network in more places, when the company expands its 4G LTE network on Aug. 16. in 38 markets, including the Iowa City area, and launches coverage in 34 new markets.

Verizon Wireless first launched its 4G LTE network in Iowa City on Sept. 15, 2011. The expanded 4G LTE coverage area will enhance coverage on Interstate 380 between Iowa City and Cedar Rapids and provide new coverage to Lake MacBride State Park.

In addition to expanding its 4G LTE network in Iowa City, Verizon Wireless is also expanding its network in Iowa from Des Moines to Ames and in the Sioux City area on Aug. 16. The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is currently available in Iowa in the greater Des Moines area, Cedar Rapids, Council Bluffs, Iowa City, Sioux City, the Quad Cities area and many more rural communities.

“The expansion of our high-speed network will enable customers to use their 4G LTE devices in more parts of Iowa to stay in touch with family, friends and colleagues, all with speeds up to 10 times faster than before,” said Seamus Hyland, president-Great Plains Region, Verizon Wireless. “We will continue expanding and enhancing our 4G LTE network in this state and across the country to provide our customers with the best wireless experience possible.”

The Verizon Wireless 4G LTE network is America’s largest 4G network with coverage available to nearly 75 percent of the U.S. population. With the new and expanded markets, the company’s 4G LTE network will be available to 371 markets across the United States. By year’s end, the company plans for its 4G LTE network to cover more than 400 U.S. markets.

4G LTE Coverage and Speed

In real-world, fully loaded network environments, Verizon Wireless 4G LTE customers should experience average data rates of 5 to 12 megabits per second (Mbps) on the downlink and 2 to 5 Mbps on the uplink.

When customers travel outside of a 4G LTE coverage area, 4G LTE devices automatically connect to Verizon Wireless’ 3G network, enabling customers to stay connected from coast to coast. Verizon Wireless’ 3G network is the most reliable high-speed data network in the country and allows customers in 3G coverage areas who purchase 4G LTE devices today to take advantage of 4G LTE speeds when the faster network becomes available in their area, or when they travel to areas already covered by 4G LTE.